Whilst rescue centres are here to help, some owners cannot bring themselves to place their pet into a centre. Or into any situation where their future is decided by strangers. On top of that, some pets find kennels and other enclosures extremely stressful.
If you’re considering selling or rehoming your pet, there are lots of things to think about before you go ahead.
About Lucy’s Law
Lucy’s Law came in in 2020. The law banned the selling of puppies and kittens under six months old by third parties. That means if you want to sell a puppy or kitten younger than six months old, you need to be a registered breeder.
Try a rehoming centre first
If you can no longer look after your pet, you should always try contacting a rehoming centre first.
Some centres will not take in pets with serious behavioural problems or house too many of the same breed. Others may not be able to take your pet in straightaway – but the wait will be worth it to protect your pet’s future.
If you’re worried about your pet being in a shelter environment, we can give them a temporary home with one of our fosterers – ensuring they still get the care they need.
For more information about giving up a pet at Woodgreen, and how we’ll look after them, head to our ‘giving up your pet’ page.
If you still want to sell your pet
If selling your pet still seems like the best option for you, here are a few things to think about, and check, before you start the process.
Selling your dog
- Before you advertise, make sure your dog is neutered so they can’t be used for breeding.
- When you have a potential buyer, ask them what the dog’s daily routine would be in the new home. Does it match what the dog has already? Is it an improvement?
- Will your dog be compatible to live with any other dogs, cats or small pets in their new home?
- Does your dog need a secure garden? If so, we recommend asking to see pictures of the garden in the potential new home.
- How long will the new owners be leaving the dog home alone? Is it an acceptable amount of time?
- If your dog has an ongoing medical condition, you must let any potential new owner know. This is makes sure your dog gets the care they need, and avoids any potential financial problems their care could bring.
- If possible, ask for proof of address.
- Could you take your dog back if it doesn’t work out in the first few weeks?
- Are the new owners happy to keep in touch and give you updates?
- It’s a good idea to give the potential new owners a ‘cooling off period’ after the first meeting. This is to make sure they’re committed to buying your dog.
Quite a few dogs who come to rescue centres have originally been bought online, but the rehoming hasn’t worked out. So, it’s important to take your time finding the right buyer. You need to be sure they understand what rehoming your dog will entail. And you need to be happy your dog is going to a suitable, loving home.
Selling your cat
- Before you advertise, make sure your cat is neutered to prevent breeding or unwanted litters in the future. Neutering also reduces the risk of fighting and wandering away from home, and lowers the risk of many viruses.
- Will your cat be able to live with other animals or neighbouring cats? Have they had any negative experiences with other animals that may affect them in another home?
- Is your cat used to living with children? If you know your cat has had problems in the past and shown aggressive behaviours to children, tell any potential new owners. This is so they can make the right decision for their family.
- Is your cat used to having outdoor access? Will they need outdoor access in their new home? For many cats, restricting outdoor access can lead to them being unhappy and having behavioural problems. So, it’s important to check what their new home will be like to make sure they have what they need.
- If your cat has an ongoing medical condition, you must let any potential new owner know. This is to make sure your cat will get the care they need, and to avoid any potential financial problems their care could bring.
- Could you take your cat back if it doesn’t work out in the first few weeks?
- Are the new owners happy to keep in touch and give you updates?
- It’s a good idea to give the potential new owners a ‘cooling off period’ after the first meeting, to make sure they’re committed to buying your cat.
Just like dogs, many cats who come to rescue centres have originally been bought online, but the rehoming hasn’t worked out. So, it’s important to take your time finding the right buyer. You need to be sure they understand what rehoming your cat will entail. And you need to be happy your cat is going to a suitable, loving home.
Selling your small pets
- Before you advertise, make sure your small pet is in good health.
- Also make sure your rabbits and ferrets are neutered before you rehome them, to prevent them being used for unnecessary breeding.
- Many small pet species prefer to live with a companion of the same species. For example, rabbits should live in neutered pairs. If your pet is currently living on their own, it’s a good idea to look for a new owner who can responsibly pair them up. Many rescue centres offer a mixing service for most small pets – find out more about our mixing service.
- Don’t offer your small pet for free. There may be many well-meaning people keen to take on your pet. But some can have ill intentions – such as feeding reptiles live food, which is illegal in the UK.
- If you’re selling your pet without accommodation, make sure the new owner can give them the space they need, with plenty of enrichment. Feel free to talk to us, or your local rescue centre, for advice on recommended enclosure sizes. Then ask to see photos or visit the new owner’s facilities to make sure they’re suitable.
- Does the new owner have existing pets? Do they have experience with these species? Remember that many small pets are prey species and can find living alongside other animals, like cats and dogs, very stressful.
- Some small pet species can live for up to 20 years, which means they need regular vaccinations and health checks. Make sure the potential owner is aware of this and that you’re happy they can commit to the pet’s needs.
- If possible, ask for proof of address.
- If your pet has an ongoing medical condition, you must let any potential new owner know. This is to make sure your pet will get the care they need, and to avoid any potential financial problems their care could bring.
- Could you take your pet back if it doesn’t work out in the first few weeks?
- It’s a good idea to give the potential new owners a ‘cooling off period’ after the first meeting, to make sure they’re committed to buying your pet.
Quite a few small pets who come to rescue centres have originally been bought online, and the rehoming hasn’t worked out. So, it’s important to take your time finding the right buyer. You need to be sure they understand what rehoming your pets will entail, and you need to be happy your pets are going to a suitable, loving home.
Looking for more advice?
If you need more advice about giving up your pet, we’re here for you. Our team is happy to have a chat and give you the best advice and options to consider. Please contact us or call us on 0300 303 9333 (option 2).
